Oil Level Reading

[alphabeast]

I have noticed this on the last 3 oil changes I have done and I thought I would whine about it. After completely draining the oil, doing the filter change, adding 6.5 quarts of oil, and running the engine for about 5 mins to let the filter soak up oil, my dipstick reading indicates I am way over (about 3/8" over the high mark on the dipstick). This time I put in 6.3 quarts (6 quarts and 13 oz.) and I am still over. I am trusting the amount I am putting in over the dipstick at this point. Anyone else experiencing something similiar?

 

[MTN4RNR]

I have noticed this on the last 3 oil changes I have done and I thought I would whine about it. After completely draining the oil, doing the filter change, adding 6.5 quarts of oil, and running the engine for about 5 mins to let the filter soak up oil, my dipstick reading indicates I am way over (about 3/8" over the high mark on the dipstick). This time I put in 6.3 quarts (6 quarts and 13 oz.) and I am still over. I am trusting the amount I am putting in over the dipstick at this point. Anyone else experiencing something similiar?

I usually put in about 6.4qts (assuming that there is some residual from the oil change). Run it for about a hundred miles, and then top off if needed. I never find myself below the low mark on the dipstick at 6.4qts. Usually somewhere in the top 1/3. Also, it's really hard to get a reading with fresh oil as it comes out almost clear.

 

[hewitt-tech]

When we first got our 4 runner it had some valve train noise in it and I checked the oil. The oil had clearly just been changed because it was nice and clear but it was over a quart. When I topped it up I noticed it was a real pain in the ass to get an accurate read on the dipstick because everytime you added oil the oil would either splash up the tube or run down it one. After spending some time topping it up, letting it sit, run, rinse/repeat I just trust how much oil I put in and know it will take the full amount regardless of the oil stick always looking overfilled and just check it once I get it all in there and it sits. The 6.5 or 6.6 qt amount is now paint penned it on the filler cap. I can only assume the dealer that we bought if from changed the oil filled it based on the stick and it was low. You almost need a tube squeegee of some kind to get a good reading.

 

[alphabeast]

When we first got our 4 runner it had some valve train noise in it and I checked the oil. The oil had clearly just been changed because it was nice and clear but it was over a quart. When I topped it up I noticed it was a real pain in the ass to get an accurate read on the dipstick because everytime you added oil the oil would either splash up the tube or run down it one. After spending some time topping it up, letting it sit, run, rinse/repeat I just trust how much oil I put in and know it will take the full amount regardless of the oil stick always looking overfilled and just check it once I get it all in there and it sits. The 6.5 or 6.6 qt amount is now paint penned it on the filler cap. I can only assume the dealer that we bought if from changed the oil filled it based on the stick and it was low. You almost need a tube squeegee of some kind to get a good reading.

Reading the dipstick is a pain. I have read that sanding it may help with the readings. I think from now on put in 6.4-6.5 and call it a day.

 

[<<<<]

Underfilling a little is way better than overfilling. Take in account that there will be some undrained oil left in many places inside the engine. 6.3 US Quarts as oppose to specified 6.5 is what I use.

 

[TEN613RPro]

I have noticed this on the last 3 oil changes I have done and I thought I would whine about it. After completely draining the oil, doing the filter change, adding 6.5 quarts of oil, and running the engine for about 5 mins to let the filter soak up oil, my dipstick reading indicates I am way over (about 3/8" over the high mark on the dipstick). This time I put in 6.3 quarts (6 quarts and 13 oz.) and I am still over. I am trusting the amount I am putting in over the dipstick at this point. Anyone else experiencing something similiar?

Mine reads exactly as yours does on the factory fill.

 

[BobsTrail]

I put in 6 quarts and 11 or 12 ounces from the 7th quart and check the level when cold the next day and look at the back side of the dipstick. It's usually right on the dimple on the other side.

I use the remaining 20 ounces as a chaser for the next change for the T4 and my wife's car - half and half. Six years and 60K never needed to add any.

 

[tls3601]

Same issues on my girlfriends ‘17 SR5.

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

This is an issue with oil splashing up during operation into the dipstick tube, and after lifting the dipstick the first time. It "pulls" some oil up with it, basically.

To get an accurate reading, remove the dipstick, and let the car sit for a good 30+ mins.

Then, wipe the dipstick you've set aside clean, insert it once, then extract it.

At this point, either the front or the back will now read an accurate level.

No amount of checking or rechecking will matter. You literally just have to wait 30+ mins with the dipstick removed from the truck for the reading to be accurate.

It really sucks, because it means you can't check the oil on the fly, like at a gas station, unless you plan on sitting there for 30 mins and getting honked at. You just end up trusting the engine not to leak, and the last oil change to have been done right... and the 1GR-FE track record is pretty good. So, maybe a day after my oil change, I'll do a follow-up check at home to verify the level hasn't dropped a lot, and from them on, I don't check again unless I see spots in the driveway or garage.

 

[Bishop98]

Check these guys out. Unfortunately, they don't make them for the 4runner and they're damn pricey.

https://www.superstik.com/how-superstik-works/

 

[MeefZah]

This is an issue with oil splashing up during operation into the dipstick tube, and after lifting the dipstick the first time. It "pulls" some oil up with it, basically.

To get an accurate reading, remove the dipstick, and let the car sit for a good 30+ mins.

Then, wipe the dipstick you've set aside clean, insert it once, then extract it.

At this point, either the front or the back will now read an accurate level.

No amount of checking or rechecking will matter. You literally just have to wait 30+ mins with the dipstick removed from the truck for the reading to be accurate.

It really sucks, because it means you can't check the oil on the fly, like at a gas station, unless you plan on sitting there for 30 mins and getting honked at. You just end up trusting the engine not to leak, and the last oil change to have been done right... and the 1GR-FE track record is pretty good. So, maybe a day after my oil change, I'll do a follow-up check at home to verify the level hasn't dropped a lot, and from them on, I don't check again unless I see spots in the driveway or garage.

I was gonna post something similar about needing to wait, but in my experience it's not 30 minutes. The dipstick tube is clear enough of residual oil after 5 minutes for me to get a reading.

I put in 6.6 q exactly, measured in a graduated cylinder, check it once, and it's usually right at the top level.

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

Reading the dipstick is a pain. I have read that sanding it may help with the readings. I think from now on put in 6.4-6.5 and call it a day.

Glad I'm not the only one who's wagon appeared to have come with too much oil... Mine was noticeably over the top dimple when I first checked my oil. Figured if Toyota wants to put too much oil in and blow my seals, I can afford a good lawyer so I took pictures and just drive it because there's no way to get half or a whole liter out. My wagon has some rake too so thought that might account for a bit more oil towards the front of the motor on reasonably flat ground?? Tried to get an accurate read on the stick but gave-up. Checked cold in the morning before start-up is probably the only way to get a decent reading.

Every dipstick I can ever remember having came with knurling or some type of crosshatching in the "minimum" to "full" area on the stick. Your suggestion is a good one to sand between the dimples. I've entertained the idea of rubbing the stick down with alcohol and applying/buffing off paint sealant to the stick above the top dimple to try and keep oil sticking to the dipstick.

These dipsticks suck and blow is all, it'd be nice if there was an aftermarket unit that actually works.

 

[Jeffy]

Damn... am I the only one who's consistently too low after adding 6.5 quarts? When I change my oil and check the dipstick after adding 6 quarts, there's nothing even on the stick yet. I normally have to add a full 7 quarts and even then it's still on the lower end of the dipstick mark.

 

[srpuywa]

its not rocket science, just check it first thing in the morning after it's sat all night ---- sheeesh

 

[johnbt]

My driveway isn't level. First thing in the morning it reads well above Full. Which is okay by me, but not accurate.

 

[Glandnut]

Put some grain between upper and lower marks on the dipstick with a 3M pad. It helped a bit for me. Or, buy a new dipstick and take off the Oring to use as the "checking" dipstick?

 

[alphabeast]

its not rocket science, just check it first thing in the morning after it's sat all night ---- sheeesh

I'm still reading high even after it sat for a day. I feel better pouring in 6.3-6.4 quarts and having the dipstick read high then putting in just 6 just because the dipstick says so. I cant imagine 16oz of oil did not drain out....

 

[dweh54]

Underfilling a little is way better than overfilling. Take in account that there will be some undrained oil left in many places inside the engine. 6.3 US Quarts as oppose to specified 6.5 is what I use.

I have found that 6.3 is the sweet spot for me as well.

It is a lot easier to add oil after the fact than to get an overfill situation handled! I figure that the capacity is 6.6 but there is some leftover in the system somewhere.

 

[catrains]

ON my 2016 4runner the oil level was over the full mark when new .. so when I did the oil change I did the oil change I installed 6QTS.. well on level ground after it sits a several hours it was dead on the full mark.. did another oil change same deal 6QTS at the full mark..

I drain it for 45 min also I allow a good amount of time for all the synthetic oil to flow out the plastic container..

over filling it not good can create air bubbles in the oil..

so far 7500mile on oil changes uses perhaps a 1/8QT of oil..

this does take more time to drain oil from engine than my GM V8 engines.

 

[pDubs]

IMO I trust filling it to recommended capacity more than I trust the reading on the dip stick. If anything I would fill to 6.6 quarts after an oil change, properly check the oil level, and make a mental note of where that hits on the dip stick. That would be my proper "full mark" from now on.